Efficient Propulsion of a Container Ship Using the Inclined Keel Concept

Ever increasing fuel prices and environmental concerns are forcing commercial vessel operators and designers to re-assess current vessel designs with an emphasis on their propulsion systems. The most important parameter determining propulsive efficiency is the diameter of propeller. Many investigations have been carried out to adapt a large and slow turning propeller known as one of the most robust and effective way of achieving high efficiency in ship propulsion system. However, for the same vessel a further increase of propeller diameter would require the modification of the aft end while still paying attention to the hull clearance to prevent excessive propeller excited vibrations. In order to take the advantage of this approach small workboats (e.g. tug boats, fishing vessels etc.) operate in service with a significant increase of aft draught and hence resulting "inclined keel" configuration can be observed. Although it is not unusual to see large vessels sometimes to operate with stern trim to improve their operational performance and fuel efficiency, it is rare to see a such vessel purposely built with an inclined keel feature to fit a large diameter propeller for power saving. This paper investigates the application of the inclined keel configuration to a 3600TEU container vessel with the aim of fitting an 11 % larger diameter propeller (and hence resulting 17.5 % lower rpm) to gain further power saving over the similar size basis container ship with conventional "level keel" configuration.